Culture

Modern Turkish culture is a complex weave of a very turbulent past, Western liberalism, Muslim traditions, Kemal Atatürk as well as the influence of a number of different ethnical and religious minorities. All of the above accounts for a national culture with some common traits, but also many differences from area to area. The differences within the country are most obvious when traveling between the cities and the rural areas.

In the centre of the major cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya etc. life is very much like in the Western world with all its advantages and disadvantages. The rural areas are characterized by a simpler lifestyle effected by Islam and older traditions. However, with 66% of the population living within the cities and a constant flow of people from the countryside to the cities, this is only a general observation. The above also makes it possible for a person, wandering through Istanbul, to walk from one street full of the latest fashion clothing and seeing people dressed in next to nothing; to a street where women clad in headscarves are one their way home from shopping.

Regarding the size and the population of Turkey, it is not so fair to talk about a common culture. Turkey, being under the effect of different cultures such as Arabic, Persian, Caucasian, Kurdish, Balkan, Laz and even French and also many others like climate, geography etc., is hosting a huge pile of cultural diversity. Traditions, food may show similarities but at the end you will have chance to see that how differences may come together and stay still aside with its own richness.

You may witness several different dances and wedding ceremonies from different regions in Turkey.